Three Outdoor Activities Close to Home

There's no better way to unplug from daily life than to venture outside, enjoy nature, and explore the wild. Here are three simple outdoor activities close to home – perfect for spending quality time with loved ones and learning something new. So lace up your shoes and join us outdoors!

1. Learn to Identify Edible Mushrooms: Spot the Difference Between Chanterelles and Yellowfoot Mushrooms.

Autumn is mushroom season in Sweden, and two popular edible mushrooms for beginners to spot are chanterelles and yellowfoot mushrooms. Both are delicious but can look similar to the untrained eye.

Chanterelle: Known for its brownish-gray or beige cap with a funnel shape and a yellowish stem.

Yellowfoot Mushroom: Has a smoother, more orange-yellow cap and a reddish-yellow stem.

Bring along a mushroom guide or app to be safe, and turn each mushroom hunt into an educational outing. Once you master the difference, you can start gathering these tasty treasures to stock up for the winter!

2. Go on a Species Hunt: Discover Nature's Secrets nearby and turn your forest walk into an adventure by hunting for unique species in your local area!

Do a bit of research and try to find species that are of ecological interest and see what might be around you in your nearby area. This could be a very fun and educational activity.

Here’s how:

Pick a species that catches your curiosity. Learn about its appearance and preferred environment – your own surroundings may be the ideal habitat!

Keep your eyes peeled and explore the details around you – you may discover a hidden treasure!

Going on a species hunt turns any walk into an educational journey and is a perfect way to discover the life that thrives just outside your door.

3. Enjoy a Classic Forest Picnic There’s nothing quite like a picnic in the forest. Pack a thermos with your favorite coffee or hot chocolate, a few sandwiches, and something sweet – and get ready for a cozy break surrounded by nature.

Tips for a Cozy Forest Picnic:
- A sturdy backpack with a chair or a warm blanket makes for comfortable seating, even if the ground is cold.
- If you’re prone to getting cold, bring a heated vest or hand warmers to keep cozy during your break.
- And remember to respect nature – pack out everything you pack in!

A forest picnic is the perfect way to wrap up a day in nature, giving you a chance to unwind before heading home.

Exploring nature doesn’t have to be complicated or require a long journey. The outdoors is right around the corner, full of things to discover!

// Wild outdoor greetings from, Louise, Pontus, Ruth and Hedda @ruththepomeranian